Boden Enter Final After Thrilling Penalty Shootout Win Over Komna: Defeat Komna 4–2 in penalty shootout in the first semi-final of the 17th Raja Anup Singh Deo Memorial Football Tournament

Khariar, August 12: The first semi-final of the 17th Raja Anup Singh Deo Memorial Football Tournament 2026 was played at the historic Raja Arttatrana Sports Ground in Khariar, featuring two teams from Nuapada district—Boden and Komna. In a highly competitive and thrilling encounter, neither side could score during regulation time. With the match remaining goalless, the winner was decided through a penalty shootout. Boden held their nerve and defeated Komna 4–2 on penalties, securing their place in the grand final scheduled to be played on August 15. From the opening whistle, both teams displayed attacking football and created several opportunities. However, the defenders and goalkeepers of both sides stood firm, preventing any breakthrough. The deadlock continued until the end of regulation time, sending the match into the decisive penalty shootout. During the shootout, Boden converted four penalties, while Komna managed to score two. Boden’s composed performance under pressure earned them a well-deserved place in the final. Congress leader and Khariar Assembly constituency candidate Kamal Charan Tandi attended the match as the chief guest and encouraged the players of both teams. Among the distinguished guests present were Prabin Pattnaik, President of Khariar Nagar Congress; Shahrukh Khan, Secretary of Odisha Youth Congress; Buddhadeb Behera, Khariar Block Congress President; Pradip Behera, President of Khariar Youth Congress; Giridhari Suna, Vice-President of Khariar Congress; Hemanu Punji, Secretary of Khariar Congress; and journalist Bhajan Lal Jagat. The match was officiated by Football Association of Odisha officials Tapas Pati, Anand Bemal, Sourav Panda and Biharilal Masara. Bedant Pradhan handled the score management, while national-level commentators Prakash Chandra Patra and Dhananjay Mallick provided live commentary. The tournament is being organised under the guidance of the Raja Anup Singh Deo Memorial Football Trust. Trust President Ankit Singh Deo, Secretary Jitendra Nayak, Vice-President Prabhudatta Gaud, Treasurer Bishwaranjan Panda, along with Rupesh Tahani, Vivek Podh, Sushant Kumar Swain, Shyam Nag, Basanti Majhi, Punyatosh Mund, Deb Pradhan, Akib Raja, Jhintu Mahapatra, Prashanu Pattnaik, Niranjan Podh, Mohammad Arif, Gudu Panigrahi, Sushanu Sahu, Harihar Sahu and Dipti Ranjan Satapathy extended their cooperation for the successful conduct of the tournament. With Boden now through to the final, football fans are eagerly waiting for the August 15 showdown. The stage is set for a thrilling finale as Boden look to lift the prestigious Raja Anup Singh Deo Memorial Football Tournament trophy.